Study: Sage Oil, Centuries-Old Herbal Remedy, Improves Memory

Sage oil, a centuries-old herbal remedy currently being studied as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease, has been found to improve memory in young, healthy people without side effects, according to a study reported in the journal Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behaviour.

The finding provides scientific evidence for claims dating back to the 1500s and 1600s when people were known to drink teas and other concoctions containing the herb to combat memory loss.

Lead researcher Nicola Tildesley of Newcastle University said the findings have serious implications for people suffering from Alzheimer's disease, noting that they could aid in future drug research and development.

Tildesley and her colleagues tested 44 healthy young adults aged between 18 and 37 who either received capsules of sage oil or a placebo.

After being tested on their ability to recall words, those who had taken sage oil consistently performed better than those who had taken a placebo.

The researchers are also investigating sage as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease given the herb's ability to inhibit an enzyme that breaks down a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Alzheimers disease is accompanied by a drop in acetylcholine.

The researchers believe that a combination of chemicals in sage oil may give it antioxidant, oestrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may be of value in treating Alzheimer's.

Other sources: Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behaviour 75 (2003) 669-674